SHILLONG, SEP 1: NPP national vice-president and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Tuesday said the National People’s Party (NPP) is different from other parties as it listens to the voice of the people and does not shy away from modifying decisions for public welfare.
Speaking at the 14th Foundation Day celebration of the National People’s Party, which coincided with the 79th birth anniversary of party founder late Purno Agitok Sangma, Dhar said NPP is different from other parties.
“Our NPP party is different from other parties. No matter how much we are pelted with stones, no matter how much we are beaten by rain and storm, we keep sticking to our work for the beloved people of Meghalaya. This is the uniqueness of our party, a blessing from God,” Dhar said.
He lauded the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, saying there is no difference of opinion among party leaders.
“We do not have differences of opinion under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Prestone Tynsong. We understand it is not easy to take decisions, but the NPP is a party that listens to the voice of the public,” he said.
“Some say this party is afraid that whatever is demanded is immediately given. But this is because we have leaders with a far-sighted vision. We never run away from truth, we are never ashamed to modify our decisions if it is for the welfare of our people,” he added.
Highlighting recent decisions of the government, Dhar said, “In the last two-three days, we have been able to pass the resolution against uranium mining in Meghalaya. If we look at the Meghalaya Amendment Bill, Official Language Bill, we must thank Dr DRL Nonglait, who is one gentleman who gave advice to the government.”
He said it was the NPP that had taken the resolution for Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state.
Stating that it was an honour to remember late PA Sangma on his 79th birth anniversary, Dhar said, “At a very young age he was chosen as a leader of the state, especially from the Garo Hills region. He held positions at different levels – how to lead the Garo region, how to lead Meghalaya, how to lead the NE region. He was Chief Minister, Union Minister and former Lok Sabha Speaker. Our founder has left behind legacies that we should not forget.”
On the border issue, Dhar said, “It is an issue no one dared to take up, especially before elections. Some leaders said if we take up this issue we might lose elections. I remember the Chief Minister and Prestone Tynsong saying if we lose for the welfare of the state, let us lose. We don’t hesitate and we have done it. We are not saying we have been able to resolve all areas of differences, but we are trying our level best. We have completed the first phase of resolving six areas of difference, now the second phase is underway.”
Dhar said the government has launched around 35 social welfare schemes in the last eight years including CM-Elevate, PRIME Hub, YESS Meghalaya, Hello Meghalaya and CM-Assured.
He also highlighted the Cabinet’s decision to do away with personal interviews for Grade C and D posts under the District Selection Committee (DSC) to ensure transparency.
“We have become one of the states in the country that has decided to abolish personal interviews for Grade C and D at the DSC level. Yes, we are criticized, but we want to create in front of our youth that yes, we have done it on your behalf,” he added.
